STEP 1: Individualized Counseling

Must be completed no later than 365 days prior to separation or retirement.

Individualized Initial Counseling (IC) between the service member and a TAP Counselor begins the transition process. During the IC, service members Complete their personal self-assessment and Individual Transition Plan (ITP) to identify and discuss their unique post-transition goals.

See “TAP Tiers” on the right.

STEP 2: Pre-Separation Counseling

Must be completed no later than 365 days prior to separation or retirement.

Pre-separation counseling covers benefits, entitlements and resources eligible to transitioning service members as they prepare to enter veteran status. Caregivers and spouses are encouraged to attend this pre-separation briefing.

STEP 3: TAP Workshops

DoD Transition Day

The DoD Transition Day is a  mandatory eight-hour curriculum that includes the following modules:

• Manage Your (MY) Transition – The “Manage Your Transition” workshop is a targeted program within the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) that equips military service members with practical skills for a successful shift to civilian life. Through interactive sessions and expert guidance, participants gain insights into resume building, job searching, and effective communication, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the civilian job market with confidence.
• Military Occupational Codes (MOC) Crosswalk – The Military Occupational Codes Crosswalk workshop is a specialized component of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) that helps service members translate their military skills and experiences into civilian terms. Through this workshop, participants learn to identify transferable skills, align their military occupations with civilian career paths, and enhance their marketability in the civilian job market.
• Financial Planning for Transition – The Financial Planning for Transition workshop, part of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), provides service members with crucial insights into managing their finances as they shift from military to civilian life. Participants gain practical knowledge on budgeting, savings, investments, and navigating benefits, empowering them to make informed financial decisions during and after their transition.

VA Benefits & Services

A one-day interactive briefing designed to enable transitioning Service Members (TSMs) to make informed decisions regarding the use of VA benefits, to include the Dept. of Labor Employment Fundamentals for Career Transition course.

The Department of Labor Employment Fundamentals for Career Transition course is a key component of the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), aimed at preparing military service members for successful civilian employment. This course covers essential employment skills, including resume writing, job search strategies, and interview techniques. Through practical guidance and interactive sessions, participants gain valuable insights to confidently navigate the job market and secure fulfilling employment opportunities in their transition to civilian life.

2-Day Service Member Elected Tracks

Transitioning Service Members elect a 2-day track based on their post-service goals:

• Dept. of Defense Education Track
• Dept. of Labor Employment Track
• Dept. of Labor Vocational Track
• Small Business Administration Entrepreneurship Track

STEP 4: Capstone

Must be completed no later than 90 days prior to separation or retirement.

Capstone is the culminating event in which commanders, or their designee, verify achievement of career readiness standards and a viable ITP prior to transition.